The Final Season and Coaching Transition
Former Port Adelaide coach turned broadcaster, Ken Hinkley, has shared insights into the final season of his tenure and the transition plan involving Josh Carr. During an appearance on SEN’s Crunch Time, Hinkley expressed concern for the well-being of Michael Voss, who was once an assistant coach at the Power under Hinkley.
Hinkley emphasized that if the situation is clear, it’s important to act promptly. He questioned why someone would continue in a difficult position when the outcome is already known. “Why would you put Michael through this? Is it just to protect the club and for him to keep taking the whacks?” he asked. He suggested that decisions should be made based on both Voss’s health and the needs of the football club, advocating for a break for the coach.
Personal Experience and Lessons Learned
Hinkley reflected on his own experience during his last year as a coach in 2025, drawing parallels with Voss’s current situation. “I have lived that,” he said. He highlighted the importance of having a succession plan, which he agreed to in February 2025. This plan allowed him to focus on his responsibilities while preparing Josh Carr for the upcoming season.
Hinkley noted that there were challenges during his final year, including players needing surgery and being unavailable. This affected the team’s performance, leading to a series of losses. Despite this, he remained committed to his role, ensuring the club ended the year in a better position than it might have otherwise been.
He acknowledged that if the team had struggled similarly to Voss’s current situation, it would have been necessary to make changes. However, the agreement in place allowed for a smoother transition, and Hinkley accepted his role in this process.
Differences in Coaching Roles
While Port Adelaide had a clear plan for Carr and Hinkley’s roles, the situation for Voss remains uncertain. It seems unlikely that he will remain as coach beyond 2026. Hinkley believes that Voss’s involvement in future strategy or list decisions could be challenging.
“Josh knew what he was doing, I knew what I was doing,” Hinkley said. He described his role as being on three-quarters time, not having to handle all the responsibilities that were necessary. This contrasted with Voss’s current position, where he is now dealing with questions about player recruitment and game strategies.
Hinkley pointed out that Voss is no longer responsible for designing the game plan or determining the style of football the team will play. Instead, he is answering questions that Hinkley himself would have addressed in the past.
Conclusion
Hinkley’s experience highlights the importance of having a structured succession plan and the challenges that come with transitioning coaching roles. His insights offer a valuable perspective on the complexities of leadership in sports, emphasizing the need for clarity and support during such transitions. As Voss navigates his potential final season, the lessons from Hinkley’s experience may provide guidance for the future.
